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NBA Picks

NBA Picks: Heat vs. Pacers

Lebron James and the Eastern Conference leading Miami Heat (23-9) travel to the Midwest to face the formidable Indiana Pacers (20-14) and Paul George. This should be a competitive game as both teams are playoff bound. Does Indy have enough firepower to knock off the defending NBA Champs?

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 pm ET on Tuesday at Bankers
Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Will Indiana be able to keep the score down to have a
better chance at victory? The Pacers rank 2nd in the league, allowing just 89.8
points per game, but also rank 29th in the league in points per game at 91.4
points per game.

The Lakers were thought of as a possible obstacle, but
they're a flat-out disaster and a soap opera, sitting 3 games under .500.

There's no need to mention numbers where Lebron James is
concerned. This is a player that could put up 40 points every night, but team
chemistry is more important and trying to fit into the team dynamic. Thus far,
the "Big 3" has been a big success.

Dwayne on the decline

There's no doubt that Dwayne Wade's game has fallen into
a slump. This is partially due to injuries and Wade is getting old with playoff
time included. Wade at 80% is still better than most of the players in the NBA.
Head coach, Eric Spoelstra, has a recipe for the Miami Heat success; Keep
either Wade or James on the court at all times unless the game is in the bag.

Workhorses

The Heat finally found the missing ingredient to add to team
depth. Ray Allen might be old and not the same player that he once was, but his
work ethic is 2nd to none before game time. Along with players Shane Battier
and Udonis Haslem, the bench is full of energetic players that can rebound and
defend. Allen adds the offense with his 11.6 points per game and 46.7% from 3
point range.

The Miami Heat are unstoppable.

Major obstacle

At a legitimate 7 foot 2, 280 pounds, center Roy Hibbert,
can cause some major problems for the Heat on the defensive end. The problem is
that Hibbert is an inconsistent player that a team can't count on to
"bring it" every single game. Just Hibbert's presence alone clogs up
the middle. If Hibbert can raise his game against the best team in the NBA,
there could be some problems for Miami.

Hibbert is averaging a disappointing 9.8 points, 8.2
rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game, but is coming off of a game against
Milwaukee in which he had 20 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 blocks in a victory.
The Pacers need something close to these type of numbers as Hibbert squares off
against Chris Bosh.

Slumping

If I wrote this article 3 games ago, I would've told you
that Paul George has been Indiana's most reliable and productive player this
season. I still say that, but with a little less confidence. George is
averaging just 8.5 points in his last 2 games, and while he can suit other
purposes, the Pacers need his offense against the best basketball team in the
world.

Outcome

The point spread is only 3 because the Pacers are a very
good basketball team. I did tell you that Miami gets bored at times, but they
should be up for a game against a good team like this. 3 points isn't enough to
deter me away from the defending champs. Take the Heat and lay the 3 points.